Recorded interview with John Coates, n.d.

Recorded interview with John Coates, who served as a pilot in RE8 aircraft of 21 Squadron Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force in France during the First World War.

John Coates remembers joining the Royal Flying Corps, training initially at Farnborough and Hastings. He describes flying training in DH6 aircraft at Yatesbury and in RE8 aircraft at Worthy Down. On completion of training he was posted to 21 Squadron at St Inglevert and returned to the UK for medical examination after passing out during a flight. He recalls the formation of RAF, the armistice and the loss of friends.